January 26: Saints Timothy and Titus, Bishops
Disciples of Saint Paul the Apostle
On the day following the conversion of Saint Paul, the Churches of the West commemorate with special attention two of his close collaborators: Timothy and Titus, key figures of the apostolic mission and among the first bishops of the Church.
Timothy, the son of a Jewish mother and a pagan father, was welcomed by Paul as a beloved disciple. He was probably converted by the Apostle himself during Paul’s first missionary journey and baptized by him, receiving the laying on of hands through which Paul imparted to him the spiritual gift that made him a “proclaimer of the word of truth.” At Paul’s side, Timothy took part tirelessly in the evangelization of Asia Minor and even shared in his first imprisonment. The community of Lystra recommended him to the Apostle, who took him as a companion on subsequent journeys, entrusting him with delicate missions among the Churches of Thessalonica, Macedonia and Corinth. To facilitate his ministry among the Jews, Paul had him circumcised, while maintaining with him a relationship of deep affection, calling him a dearly loved son and urging him to be an example of faith, charity and education. Later, Timothy became the leader of the community of Ephesus, where, according to tradition, he spent the final years of his life. Paul addressed at least two letters to him—now part of the New Testament—and wished to have him at his side even during his second imprisonment in Rome.
Titus, a native of Antioch and from a pagan family, was brought to the faith by Paul, who called him “my true child in our common faith.” He too took part in the Apostle’s missionary journeys and served as a link between Paul and the community of Corinth. Paul firmly opposed those who wanted to impose circumcision on the young disciple from the Gentile world, defending the freedom of faith in Christ. Later, Titus was sent to lead the community of Crete, where, according to tradition, he remained until the end of his days. In some letters, Paul urges him to join him at Nicopolis in Epirus and probably also sent him to Dalmatia, where he is especially venerated.
Together, Timothy and Titus embody fidelity and dedication to the apostolic mission, showing how a life of service, the transmission of the faith, and the guidance of the first Christian communities were entrusted to carefully chosen collaborators.